"We The People" Project 2005
The National Endowment of the Humanities [NEH] supports a national initiative called “We The People.” Its goal is to encourage and strengthen the teaching, study and understanding of American history and culture through the support of projects that explore significant events and themes and advance knowledge of the principles that define America. In September 2004, NEH awarded the Virgin Islands Humanities Council a grant of $29,250 to support a state project, entitled “U.S. Virgin Islanders: A People’s Quest for Self- Governance.” The Council’s project will deepen public awareness and understanding about the issues shaping the political future of the Virgin Islands. The V.I. Humanities Council will support a variety of engaging and empowering “We The People” events by the way of a series of forums, an essay contest, and a video.
Emancipation Panel Discussion
March 2005
Location: Location & Date TBA
Time: 6:30 p.m.
The Emancipation Committee of the Frederiksted Economic Development Association is sponsoring an Emancipation Panel Discussion re political status. The Council will support the event by distributing reprinted material re the "Seven Political Status Options for the Virgin Islands."
The Organic Act of 1954
April 1, 2005 - July 22, 2005
Location: University of the Virgin Islands
Announcements regarding events are forthcoming.
"Virgin Islanders: Who are we?" Panel Discussion
April 2, 2005
Location: UVI Chase Auditorium, St. Thomas and UVI Little Theatre St. Croix
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
This is the first program in the series of WTP events. This forum will enhance our understanding about who we are as a people. The discussion will help us understand the cultural dynamics that make us who we are. The presenters will be representatives of various ethnic groups and community organizations.
Essay Contest
April 15, 2005
Topic: "How do I expect to fulfill my role as a citizen of the U.S. Virgin Islands?"
Prize: $200.00
The contest is open to all eleventh graders in the Virgin Islands public and private schools. One winner will be chosen from each district. The essay must be an original work, approximately 700-750 typewritten words. The submission deadline is Friday, April 15, 2005.
Video Project: "Transfer Day Perspectives"
May 2005
This video presentation will examine the on-going struggle of Virgin Islanders to attain full U.S. citizenship. It will feature interviews with an eyewitness of the 1917 Transfer Day and with legal and political scholars about the present and future options.
Heftel Lecture (Panel Discussion) & Reception: "The Ambiguity of our U.S. Citizenship"
September 24, 2005
Location: The Battery (Governor's Residence), St. John
Virgin Islands scholars will engage in a discussion about the legal and political inconsistencies of our present rights as U.S. citizens.
For more information, please call the Virgin Islands Humanities Council at 776-4044. The Virgin Islands Humanities Council is a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization. Its mission is to provide opportunities for the diverse population of the Virgin Islands to participate in humanities programs, which promote a love of learning, encourage dialogue, enhance understanding and broaden people’s judgment.
Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this website do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.